Sunday, July 20, 2008

Thrifty Chic

They're buying recycled clothes:

"Luckily, the economic woes have ushered in the hottest trend of the season: Thrifty Chic.

"It's kind of like the red badge of courage for teenagers to have something they got cheap," said Richard Giss, a partner in Deloitte's consumer business practice in Los Angeles. "I think it's a direct result of the economy."

Wal-Mart is suddenly cool, and teens are proudly shopping off-price chains such as Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less. Hipsters scour L.A. thrift shops, searching for vintage clothes. Goodwill and Salvation Army stores are "very in," said Kathryn Finney, chief shopping officer at the Budget Fashionista.

At Crossroads Trading Co. people can sell up-to-date styles and collect 35% of the appraised retail value in cash or 50% in trade.

"We buy all day, every day," said Emma Covington, manager of the Costa Mesa store.

Some kids are doing the unthinkable -- sewing.

"The DIY movement is becoming a big trend," Finney said. "There are videos on YouTube telling how to cut up your shirt and make a skirt out of an old pair of jeans."

Sandra Elyassian of Beverly Hills is working with a $200 budget this year. The UC San Diego sophomore has already spent part of it at Old Navy and plans to dole out more at Forever 21. She also likes the thrift shops.

"I make my way to Melrose on the weekend," Elyassian said. "If I need some cheap shopping I know exactly where to look."

Elyassian is something of a pro at this; she is among a group of teens who make a little extra shopping money by providing intel on teen trends to market research firm TRU."
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cover20-2008jul20,0,210260.story

They're not buying recycled shows:

"Just like the booze in a mini-bar, renting a recently aired TV show in a hotel room is a pricey proposition...

Part of the problem is likely what's been ailing the broader hospitality sector, which has gotten hammered as consumers and businesses alike pull back on travel and hotel stays amid soaring gas prices.

But in Lodgenet's case, it also appears that those who are staying in hotels are having a hard time swallowing the service."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07202008/business/check_ins_opting_out_of_pay_per_view_sho_120748.htm

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